The NFL Will Consider Alternative Option To Onside Kick

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Feb 9, 2026 4:09 PM ET

One of the more negative side effects to the NFL's new kickoff rule has been what it's done to the onside kick, an already rare but exciting play that had the potential to help teams close the gap in the games final minutes.

While onside kicks were far from a certainty before, teams and fans at least felt like they had a chance when they didn't have to declare that they were going for it beforehand. Or in the case of Sean Payton ambushing the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV — surprising the competition when they least expect it.

But as the NFL looks to move away from a lot of the high-speed collisions that used to occur on kickoffs, a new rule has come to light that could up the entertainment value and end what's essentially become a dead special teams play.

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 14: Brandon Aubrey #17 of the Dallas Cowboys makes an onside kick during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on January 14, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)Perry Knotts/Getty Images

NFL to consider onside kick alternative in 2026

According to PFT's Mike Florio, "multiple sources" have confirmed that the possibility of replacing the onside kick with a 4th-and-13 play will be addressed again this offseason."

However as Florio notes, it isn't a given that the NFL's competition committee goes along with the new idea.

"In discussions with various decision-makers and persons of influence within league circles, the reaction was lukewarm, at best. The approach gives an advantage to teams with franchise quarterbacks," the ProFootballTalk founder shared.

"Asked which of the two — onside or 4th-and-13 — he prefers, one head coach said this: 'Is it possible to say I absolutely hate both?' ... Still, the idea of a 4th-and-13 (or 15 or even 20) play lingers."

Under the new kickoff formation, the onside kick success rate is less than 8 percent. As a result, the fourth-and-13 alternative will again be discussed this offseason. https://t.co/ZFzkFwRStY
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 9, 2026

Roger Goodell doesn't rule out international expansion

Among the other changes being kicked around in the aftermath of the NFL's efforts to evolve the game is expanding the league beyond America's borders.

The NFL has never played more games on non-American soil and with even more international games slated for next year, Roger Goodell commented on the idea of adding a new international division to the league.

“I don’t take international expansion off the table,” Goodell said, via Sports Business Journal. “I think that’s very possible someday.” Noting, "the ambition we have to be a global sport, but it’s also the demand we’re having."

Time will tell if the NFL ultimately chooses to tinker with the onside kick rules rather than adopting the more progressive option, but clearly something has to give before the 2026 season kicks off.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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